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1.8 TCe vs 1.4 and 1.6 16v: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.8 TCe carries less risk than the 1.4 and 1.6 16v: 32/100 versus 45/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.8 TCe has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars»; the 1.4 and 1.6 16v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt breakage or premature failure».

Risk index

1.8 TCe

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.4 and 1.6 16v

45

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

18 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.8 TCe reliable?

The 1.8 TCe (M5P) in the Alpine A110 and the Mégane R.S. IV has no documented endemic faults. What has been published are recalls for the A110: the oil pressure solenoid valve (2019) and the fuel pump (2021 and 2023). We have found no recalls or complaints about this engine in the Mégane R.S.[1][2][3][4]

See the 2 of the 1.8 TCe faults

Is the 1.4 and 1.6 16v reliable?

The K4J (1.4) and K4M (1.6), both naturally aspirated 16-valve units, are simple and generally reliable petrol engines: no source consulted documents oil consumption or faults that destroy the block. Their most-cited weak point is the ignition coils, followed by the crankshaft sensor and, on versions with a variable valve timing unit, its pulley; a neglected belt can cause serious damage, as one case in the Renault Laguna II documents.[5][6][7][8]

See the 6 of the 1.4 and 1.6 16v faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.8 TCe and 1.4 and 1.6 16v
1.8 TCe1.4 and 1.6 16v
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,798 cm³—
Timing—Timing belt (dry)
Power252–350 hp75–135 hp
Production2017–2026[4][9][10]since 1998[11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults26
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars
  2. High severity: A110 fuel pump that can leave the car unable to start when hot
  1. Medium severity: Ignition coil failure
  2. High severity: Timing belt breakage or premature failure
  3. Medium severity: Crankshaft position sensor failure
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.8 TCe 280–300 hp (M5P, Mégane R.S. IV, 2018–2023)[1][3][4]
  • 1.6 16V 105-110 hp Dacia, without variable valve timing unit (K4M, 2004-2020)[8][14]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.8 TCe 252–350 hp (M5P, Alpine A110, 2017–2026)[1][3]
  • 1.4 16V 75-100 hp (K4J, 1999-2012)[15][16]
  • 1.6 16V 110-135 hp with variable valve timing unit (K4M, 1998-2020)[7][17][18]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.8 TCe

1.4 and 1.6 16v

See the 13 models with the 1.4 and 1.6 16v

Other comparisons

With the 1.8 TCe

With the 1.4 and 1.6 16v

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Rappels Alpine A110 (2019). Risque de casse moteurL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 August 2019 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  2. Rappel Alpine A110. La pompe à essence de 2 849 exemplaires remplacéeL'argus · Motoring press · published 7 September 2021 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  3. Alpine A110. Un nouveau rappel pour remplacer des pompes à essenceL'argus · Motoring press · published 25 October 2023 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  4. Renault Mégane IVWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Mégane 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Scénic 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Laguna 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Duster 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026
  10. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  11. Renault K-Type engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Moteur K RenaultWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Anexo:Motores de RenaultWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  17. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Mégane 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Scénic 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French